Avelumab (Bavencio)

General information

Class/mechanism: PD-L1 blocking antibody. PD-L1 (programmed death-1 ligand 1) expressed on tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating immune cells can result in inhibition of anti-tumor immune responses. Avelumab binds to PD-1 and B7.1 receptors on T-cells and antigen presenting cells and prevents PD-L1's inhibitory effects on the immune system. As a result, avelumab stimulates immune responses, including anti-tumor immune effects.
Route: IV
Extravasation: no information

For conciseness and simplicity, HemOnc.org currently will focus on treatment regimens and not list information such as: renal/hepatic dose adjustments, metabolism (including CYP450), excretion, monitoring parameters (although this will be considered for checklists), or manufacturer. Instead, for the most current information, please refer to your preferred pharmacopeias such as Micromedex, Lexicomp, UpToDate (courtesy of Lexicomp), or the prescribing information.

Diseases for which it is used

• Bladder cancer
• Merkel cell carcinoma

Patient drug information

• Avelumab (Bavencio) package insert

History of changes in FDA indication

• 3/23/2017: FDA approved "for the treatment of patients 12 years and older with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC)."
• 5/9/2017: FDA granted accelerated approval "for patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma whose disease progressed during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant platinum-containing chemotherapy.

Also known as

• Code name: MSB0010718C
• Brand name: Bavencio